Susan’s Decor with inspiration and advice for creating a well-designed home

Behind the Scenes: The Interior Design Process Revealed

I am often asked about how the design process works, from “Should I pick a rug or a paint color first?” to “How do you figure out if everything will look right together?” I thought this is a great opportunity for me to provide a peek into Susan’s Decor design process — from the first client meeting to the completion of a project.

Step 1. Interview and Discovery Phase.The first thing we need to know is who you are, how you live, and what you really desire for your living space. Our client survey form narrows in on these questions. A customized image book is compiled using photos of a various interiors. The client’s comments help us visually understand what they are drawn to.

Step 2. Measuring & Taking Photos. We measure the space and take photos of each room. The architectural details are taken into consideration when creating the new design.

Step 3. Floor Plans.The foundation for a good design is an efficient furniture plan with appropriately scaled furniture. Multiple floor plan options are sometimes provided to the client.

Step 6. Ordering and Installation. Susan’s Decor places orders and coordinates any contract work that needs to be done before the furniture is delivered. Walls are painted, accessories are bought, light fixtures are installed, and drapes are hung. The project is completed and finishing touches are added such as accessories and personal items.

Working from homecan be wonderful because you have the option to wake up later, avoid morning commutes.It can also be challenging. There are more distractions, like TV, family members, and household chores. A home office is the best of both worlds; a space in your home reserved for all things business. Creating a home office can help you be more productive at home and maintain your sanity when family and household issues threaten to impede your work. However a functional work space that promotes productivity but doesn’t feel sterile and out of place in your home is no easy task.

While you want this space to function like an office, it should look like the rest of your home. Be sure to incorporate your personality and style just as you would in your living or bedroom. Don’t limit your design selections to what can be found in an office supply store as this is a surefire way to create an uninviting and impersonal work space. By incorporating pieces that translate to the other areas in your home you’ll keep the space from becoming an awkward eyesore and instead a place you enjoy.

I am done and so tired, but I have found that I am always willing to be tired for a restyle. I finished the house, my customer and love it. She is excited actually, which is amazing, because sometimes change is hard for a person's personal space.

Upon getting started, I first centered the sectional sofa, my next task was to filter out, and get rid of at least one table from the living room. I have often found that people have too many tables in their living rooms. They go out and buy the “sets” at the furniture stores that they think they need. I like to re purpose something to use in place of a table, like a round plant holder, or a small trunk, or even stack some books , as long as you can set a drink down, that’s all you really need sometimes.

Then we went "shopping" in her home to see what we could use in her living room. We found some great items that were hidden in closets, and other items that were not being utilized their best potential. The next thing I did was move two matching chairs nearer to each other, next to the French doors for some balance. (That was when it was really starting to look good!) Then I found an off-white ottoman in the spare bedroom which was a perfect coffee table for the space. I placed it in front of her little, curved sectional. After looking around, I realized I had all of the major pieces of furniture where they needed to go. So now, it’s my favorite part of the redo: Placing the accessories!

I love pillows, vases, pictures, lamps, art, and curtains, because what a magnificent change they make if placed correctly.

Now, her home looks styled, comfortable, and is definitely more functional. The project took a little longer than I thought, but I always stay until it's complete. Then she made me a cup of tea, and we just enjoyed the new space.

I have posted the pictures so you can see for yourself. Please feel free to leave comments to let me know what you think.

I am in Florida visiting my mother, and of course she tells me, she wants me to "redo" her house. I am thinking OK, so lets go buy a bunch of new things! I love shopping! She says, "No, I think I just want a new picture for my wall."I'm frustrated, roll my eyes, but I politely say, "Mom, maybe we could get more than just a picture." Her answer deflates me; she responds by saying, "Susan, I just don't want to spend any money." So, with what was going to be a glorious shopping expedition, has quickly turned into a project. Now, I must find things from around her house, and use those items only to "redo" her house. First things first: Move the sofa so it is entered on the wall, and work from there. Then the recliner needs to be moved over by the window, and get that huge table out of here. I am tired, and kind of wondering why I am starting this at midnight. No time like the present right, but I can't believe how heavy this recliner is. I feel myself slipping into robot mode, I am getting this living room done before bed. I'm feeling like I need some help, so I'll put on some coffee. I hope this goes well. I think I should change my name to Midnight Movers.I will post the pictures in the morning.

When buying décor, furniture, and other home accessories, people want more pop for their cash these days. That’s why more and more people are improving on things they already own, or found at garage sales, or thrift stores. A great idea for would be to personalize their space, is to use photos of friends and family, or souvenirs from resent trips, and use books Many times, I see people homes that are bare, or else homes look too cookie- cutter. Often times, people will just randomly buy accessories with no clear vision oftheir own personal style. In my own house, I have on my coffee table, three vases that are at different heights, and personal decorating books that I have collected.Whatever you collect, or what interests you, make sure you have a way to display them. Put a bowl on your dining room table, and fill it with your baseball card collection. If you have some photos you love put those in the bowl for an instant centerpiece.When I use photos of friends and family, I usually look for frames of the same color and style. By cleverly using things you already have, your home will be a refuge that you can’t wait to come home to.

A few of my must haves that truly make myhome comfortable are: lamps, baskets and containers, textiles, personal artwork,controlled collectables, a distinctive sense of style, and a harmonious colorscheme. If all of the above items are in balance, then that room in my housewill always be attractive, comfortable, and functional.I like to put lampsin a triangle around a room, that way the light will bounce comfortably insidethe room.

· Baskets are an easy answer to containing mail, CDs,movies, or any kind of projects I might want to put away untillater.

· I use complimentary colors (colors opposite of eachother on the color wheel. Once I find the colors I like, I stick to them when Ishop.

· Of course I know what my style is, and understandingsomeone else’s style is of the utmost important when helping them to decorate.

· Finally, when it’s time for my final touches, I keep inmind the value of balancing, texture and patterns, rough and smooth, shiny anddull, round and square to keep the room interesting.

I am on theblog-wagon, and I like it! I am feeling more than excited to tell first tellyou that much of my inspiration comes from nature. The cool, crisp air of fallhas finally arrived. (My favorite time of year)This is the time of year togather with family and friends, and use some of these beautiful autum colors tospruce up our homes.Fall foliage offers a beautiful backdrop, creating theperfect setting for brand new colors.

Think of how color can change your mood, like a bright yellow sunroom, an elegant dark chocolate dining room, or walking out onto a granny smith, green-apple porch, whatever colors speak to you, there is a reason that we are drawn to our favorite mood-brightening colors.

Look at this table from BHG

A few of my must haves that truly make my home comfortable are: lamps, baskets and containers, textiles, personal artwork, controlled collectables, a distinctive sense of style, and a harmonious color scheme. If all of the above items are in balance, then that room in my house will always be attractive, comfortable, and functional. I like to put lamps in a triangle around a room, that way the light will bounce comfortably inside the room.

· Baskets are an easy answer to containing mail, CDs, movies, or any kind of projects I might want to put away until later.· I use complimentary colors (colors opposite of each other on the color wheel. Once I find the colors I like, I stick to them when I shop.· Of course I know what my style is, and understanding someone else’s style is of the utmost important when helping them to decorate.

· Finally, when it’s time for my final touches, I keep in mind the value of balancing, texture and patterns, rough and smooth, shiny and dull, round and square to keep the room interesting.

I am on the blog-wagon, and I like it! I am feeling more than excited to tell first tell you that much of my inspiration comes from nature. The cool, crisp air of fall has finally arrived. (My favorite time of year)This is the time of year to gather with family and friends, and use some of these beautiful autum colors to spruce up our homes. Fall foliage offers a beautiful backdrop, creating the perfect setting for brand new colors.

A little about me...

I can't wait to try new things, but when it comes to decorating;I am willing to jump head first. I love to see a room transform before my very eyes. Especially when creating a new room for someone else! Since as long as I can remember, the fire has been burning tocreate I have been the person that people call when they move to a new home, and don't know what to do with their "stuff" Or, just simply want a new look for a room that they have lived with for too long. I am always happy to when those calls come. In fact, I wouldn't have it any other way!